Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as Vetivergrass or Khus Khus, is a perennial bunchgrass native to India and Indo-China. It is well-adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions but thrives in open areas, often in wetlands and along riverbanks. Vetivergrass can grow up to 150 centimeters (5 feet) in height and forms dense clumps that can be as wide. Its unique root system, which grows vertically downward to depths of 2 to 4 meters (7 to 13 feet), provides soil stabilization and protects against erosion. The plant’s deep roots also make it extremely drought-tolerant.

Vetivergrass is valued for its soil erosion control properties, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is used for land rehabilitation and embankment stabilization. The plant’s roots contain an essential oil that is used in perfumery and traditional medicine. In cultivation, Vetivergrass prefers full sun but can tolerate a range of water conditions, from low to high, and is adaptable to various soil types with slow to fast drainage. It is not typically grown for ornamental purposes but rather for its practical applications in soil conservation and its aromatic roots. While noninvasive genotypes are safe for cultivation, care must be taken to avoid planting fertile genotypes that can become invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0